GUANGDONG: A Chinese doctoral graduate invited the owners of his favourite neighbourhood eatery to his graduation ceremony through a food delivery order, celebrating a friendship built over seven years.
The graduate, surnamed Xiong, wrote in the order comments that the couple had "fed" him throughout his journey from bachelor's degree to doctorate, adding: "I'm graduating now and feel sad about leaving you," while explaining that he and his classmates wanted to commemorate the special bond they had built with the family.
Eatery owner Luo Na, whose family has operated the Hakka restaurant for two decades near Southern Medical University in Guangdong Province, said she was surprised and honoured by the invitation.
She accepted it and planned to attend with her husband and two children "for them to experience their big brothers' graduation milestone", according to the
South China Morning Post.
Luo prepared a bouquet and red packets for Xiong and his classmates, telling them: "You will be real doctors from now on. When you look out for others, remember also to take care of yourselves."
Her husband, surnamed Liao, added: "No matter how busy your work is, remember to eat on time."
Xiong, who studied Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine at the university for more than a decade, said he and his classmates first ordered food from the family-run eatery seven years ago during his fifth year of study, and it soon became their favourite place to eat.
Luo said the greatest reward after running the eatery for two decades was not making money but being remembered by customers, adding that a banner outside the shop reads: "Run a warm little shop and meet people with similar tastes."
The story drew warm reactions online, with many people praising the family's support for students and sharing similar graduation memories.
